Risk Factors for Shingles

You can only get
shingles
if you already had
chickenpox
and the dormant virus from the chickenpox infection becomes reactivated. Since only 20% of people who have had chickenpox develop shingles, researchers are still trying to determine what makes some people more likely to develop shingles than others.

Some of the factors that make people more likely to develop shingles include:

Health Conditions

If you have a weakened immune system, you are more likely to develop shingles. Conditions that increase your risk include:

Ethnic Background

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.